I've always said that deck railing and stairs can "make or break" your deck. I have discussions with homeowners about the stairs just as much as about the decking or design of the decks. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a standard run of stairs, there's millions of beautiful decks out there that have the standard installed. The photos are of decks we've installed, with the exception of the spiral stairs, and for those of you whom do want to explore the "deck stair options", the following is information you may use to help make a decision:

1. Extra Wide & Cascading Stairs - The cascading stairs are my favorite. I think they have an elegant and classy feel, not to mention very eye catching. Some of the customers will get sticker shock, and resort back to a standard run.......these stairs can get pricey with the amount of material that is needed, and they're labor intensive.

2. Stair runs with landings in the middle - Another eye catching stair option with normally an upcharge price tag. Again, the amount of time and material dictates. I do like having a landing in the middle of a long stir run though. Going up or going down, it lets you get your footing more balanced if you're carrying things like groceries, children, etc., and they just look pretty.

3. Landings at the top of stairs - In my opinion, I think every run of stairs should have a landing, even if it's a small one at the top of the stairs. I do try to suggest this to all of the customers. It gives your eye a good stopping point at the stairs, if you're proceeding down them, and again, let's you get your footing arranged so no missteps occur. Very economical in the pricing.

4. No landings - Beautiful decks, but wanted to show how your "stopping point" looks from above......looks like they just drop off, and if you're busy talking, looking back to see if you closed your back door, you may be taking a tumble.

5. No stairs - This is what the homeowner wanted, and that's how we build 'em. There is no grand deck stair pumbah stating you must have a set of deck stairs from the deck to the below grade if you have an approved railing that meets building code. But, if my kitchen catches on fire, blocking me from escaping to another room; I'm going to run out to my deck, and I really hope there's a set of stairs to the ground:) ​Try to avoid this option.

6. Spiral Stairs - Have had several homeowners interested in this option, but no takers. Beautiful, expensive, and somewhat difficult to get a permit to install them..........this is definitely an option that would have to be discussed in the initial deck designs.